New research from specialist recruiters, Robert Half has found that nearly two thirds of Executives, Finance and Human Resource Managers in the UK think that the Mathematics skills of today’s graduates are worse than they were 10 years ago.
Despite this, a staggering 91% of those questioned look for GSCE / A-Level Mathematics qualifications when recruiting new graduates with just under half stating that this was due to the importance of numeracy in the business.
Phil Sheridan, Managing Director of Robert Half, commented, “An understanding of Mathematics is even more crucial in today’s challenging business environment, when the role of the finance function is becoming increasingly integral central to the day to day running of the business.”
Across the board, Mathematics is a highly regarded commodity, reflected in the 80% of respondents who believe that good Mathematics skills are important or very important for recent graduates. Such skills are increasingly being assessed during the interview process with 79% of respondents reviewing Mathematics skills via CV, tests or interview questions.
Dr Alan Stevens, Vice-President Communications for the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications said, “Mathematics is central to the generation of wealth in the country – and not only for its use in financial calculations. There are many other less obvious places where mathematics is applied, such as in product design, manufacturing, marketing and distribution. So it is vital that young people are given the mathematical skills they need at all levels.”
Robert Half conducted its analysis of graduate Mathematics skills between March and April 2009. The research was conducted by Heliview who surveyed 401 Finance, Human Resource and Executive level or upper management in the UK.
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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Samantha Maslen
Burson-Marsteller
020 7300 6216
samantha.maslen@bm.com
Or
Alex Perry
Burson-Marsteller
020 7300 6416
alex.perry@bm.com
Conducted in February and March 2009, the survey polled 5736 finance and accounting managers in 21 countries around the world. In the UK, there were a total of 401 respondents. The international study was developed by Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest staffing services firm, for its third annual International Workplace Survey and conducted by an independent research firm. The report examines current financial employment trends around the world and the impact of the economy on accounting and finance departments.
Robert Half pioneered specialised recruitment services and today is the world’s leader in the field. Founded in 1948, the company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: RHI) and operates four separate divisions in the UK, each serving distinct markets. They include: Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, permanent and interim professionals, respectively, in the fields of accounting and finance; OfficeTeam, for highly skilled temporary administrative support and Robert Half Financial Services Group, for high-calibre banking and capital markets professionals. There are more than 360 Robert Half staffing locations worldwide. For more information about Robert Half please visit www.roberthalf.co.uk
The Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) is the learned and professional society for mathematics. It promotes mathematics research, education and careers, and the use of mathematics in business, industry and commerce. Amongst its activities the IMA produces academic journals, organises conferences, and engages with government. Founded in 1964, the Institute has 5,000 members. Forty percent of members are employed in education (schools through to universities), and the other 60% work in commercial, industrial and governmental organisations. In 1990 the Institute was incorporated by Royal Charter and was subsequently granted the right to award Chartered Mathematician designation. www.ima.org.uk
